By Nkechi Eze
The President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women and youth across Nigeria, as she received the leadership of the Isoko Development Union, Abuja Chapter, on a courtesy visit to the DEPOWA Secretariat on Wednesday, 5 June 2025.
Leading the delegation was the President of the Isoko Development Union, Abuja Chapter, Deaconess Martha Akpotabor, who praised Mrs. Musa for her distinguished leadership, compassionate service, and unwavering advocacy for the welfare of women. Describing the DEPOWA President as “a beacon of strength and inspiration,” Akpotabor noted that her dedication has positively touched the lives of countless women and families across the nation.
“We are grateful for your warm hospitality and the exceptional work you are doing to uplift and empower women,” Deaconess Akpotabor stated. “Your passion for service, your hands-on approach, and your consistent focus on the well-being of women and children have not gone unnoticed. We in the Isoko Development Union, Abuja Chapter, hold you in the highest regard.”
Highlighting key areas of concern within their community, she appealed for DEPOWA’s partnership in addressing youth unemployment and in expanding empowerment opportunities for women who have undergone skills acquisition training. “We have many young graduates among us who are unemployed, and several women who have been trained in various trades now need tools and platforms to thrive,” she said.
The IDU delegation also formally requested Mrs. Musa to accept the honorary position of Patron of the Isoko Development Union, Abuja Chapter, a role they believe will foster a stronger strategic alliance for inclusive growth and community development.
In her response, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa expressed deep appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon her, warmly accepting the patronship with humility and grace. “I am honoured by your kind gesture and by the trust you have placed in me,” she said. “Your visit today is not only symbolic of our shared values, but also a reaffirmation of the power of unity and collaboration among women.”
Mrs. Musa assured the delegation of her willingness to support initiatives aimed at empowering youth and women in practical, sustainable ways. “Wherever I can be of assistance, be it in advocacy, in outreach, or in facilitating linkages that provide economic opportunities, I will stand with you,” she said.
Reinforcing her belief in the resilience of women, the DEPOWA President underscored the vital role women play in nurturing homes, communities, and the nation at large. “Every woman deserves the chance to rise above her challenges,” she said. “It is my firm belief that as women, we must lift as we rise. We must stand together to break barriers and build bridges of opportunity for one another.”
She further applauded the women of the Isoko Development Union for their commitment to faith, family, and community, noting the powerful impact of their prayers and hard work. “You are the backbone of your communities, guardians of values, nurturers of homes, and agents of progress,” she added.
The visit featured an interactive session during which the two groups explored avenues for mutual collaboration, followed by the exchange of souvenirs as tokens of goodwill. The event concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing the growing bonds between DEPOWA and the Isoko women leaders.
The meeting was marked by a shared spirit of sisterhood, purpose, and optimism, a reaffirmation that when women unite in vision and voice, transformative change becomes inevitable.
